The Best Things to do in Baltimore
By Dana Gargano
Baltimore is a city that wears its history on its sleeve while proudly embracing modern quirks. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or someone who just enjoys wandering around, here’s a guide to five activities that will help you experience the city’s unique flavor.
1. Visit the National Aquarium
The National Aquarium is not just a place to see fish, though it does have a lot of those. It’s also home to one of the most bizarrely engaging exhibits you’ll ever see: a rainforest with more humidity than a sauna. Wander through the underwater tunnel, and you might find yourself eye-to-eye with a shark, which is just the kind of close encounter you didn’t know you wanted.
2. Stroll Through Fells Point
If you’ve ever wanted to walk through a postcard, Fells Point is your chance. This historic waterfront neighborhood offers cobblestone streets, quirky shops, and pubs where you can sip a beer and pretend you’re a local. Don’t miss out on the chance to pop into one of the many dive bars that make this area famous. You’ll leave with a story or two and possibly a newfound appreciation for crab cakes.
3. Tour the Baltimore Museum of Art
The Baltimore Museum of Art is not just a place for highbrow art lovers, though you’ll find plenty of that here. It’s also home to the world’s largest collection of works by Henri Matisse, and if that doesn’t impress you, there are always the free admission and the lovely sculpture garden to explore. The museum is perfect for those moments when you want to look cultured while secretly enjoying the thought of a good coffee afterward.
4. Wander the Inner Harbor
The Inner Harbor is the sort of place where you can take in a historic ship, enjoy a waterfront meal, or just people-watch while sitting on a bench. It’s the heart of Baltimore’s tourism scene and offers a range of activities from catching an IMAX film to boarding the USS Constellation. If you’re into multitasking, you can do a little shopping and catch some street performers at the same time.
5. Explore Johns Hopkins
A visit to the Johns Hopkins University campus offers a peek into a world where Ivy League dreams meet real-world research. Stroll through the campus and admire the architecture or, if you’re feeling particularly scholarly, pop into the university’s library. You might not be able to enroll, but you can definitely enjoy the academic ambiance and perhaps question your life choices.
The Complete Guide to Baltimore
Best Things to do in Baltimore
Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or someone who just enjoys wandering around, here’s a guide to five activities that will help you experience the city’s unique flavor.
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